Match Reports

Gloucester 18 Exeter 16: Burns holds Chiefs at bay

Gloucester were pushed all the way by a spirited Exeter display (Jamie McDonald)

GLOUCESTER dug deep to see off Exeter Chiefs in a thrilling West Country derby
that defied the appalling weather.

A sixth successful penalty from Freddie Burns with seven minutes remaining
handed the hosts a hard-fought victory over a visiting side who looked to
have sealed the win courtesy of Simon Alcott’s 57th-minute try.

Both teams ignored the constant rainfall and sodden conditions and the hosts
started brightly but could not keep up their momentum as Exeter fought their
way back into the game. With half an hour gone, a huge hit from the
Gloucester front row forced the Chiefs to lose control and when the ball
flew loose, Sione Kalamafoni was on it like a flash.